How Do I Handle My Two-year Old's Temper!

My oldest boy was like that and more, we started him in play therapy and all is way better now (i can give you her name and num if you want it). My littler one is getting into the same behavior as the older one was into and we are going to start him in it also. All they do is play and work through their problems (i thought what could be his prob. hes 2 but when he started in it and after a while he calmed down (of course he had to be put on meds for his adhd) but he just calmed down it is so much better then before). Good luck.

Hi J., I am a mom of three boys (ages 22, 18 and 15) and an Early Childhood professional. I recommend a book called "Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood" by Jim Fay and Charles Fay. Their website, www.loveandlogic.com, will also have other books, CD's, and DVD's available. You can probably also find it all in a local bookstore. Many church's offer the Love and Logic class for parents. I agree with 99% of what they teach. It is basically a common sense approach to teaching children natural consequences. They also have resources for parenting teens. I strongly encourage you to take a class, view a DVD or read the book. Just knowing that others are experiencing the same thing can be somewhat of a relief also. Boys are truly a joy if you can keep your sanity during the early years! Good luck and God bless!

You may have to start using timeout for these episodes. Stay as calm as possible and just tell him that he can't be with you if he is going to scream and hit. Sit him in a boring corner where you can keep your eye on him, but don't pay any attention to him. Set a timer that he can see or hear and when the time is up, go and calmly talk to him about why he was in timeout and then give him a hug and let him continue playing. If he gets up from the corner, you just put him back without saying anything. If he's strong willed, this could happen over and over again, but he will eventually get it.

The only other thing you can do is ignore him and stop giving in. If you're at home, let him scream. When he realizes he isn't going to get your attention that way (which is what he is after), he will eventually stop. When he does quit screaming, praise him and talk to him about how he can/should get your attention; by saying "please" and "thank you" and by asking politely for things he wants (this doesn't mean you always have to give them to him though just because he asks nicely). I think it is entirely appropriate to tell him that you don't hit, but that alone may not do the trick. This should be something you say as you're putting him in timeout so that he understands why he is there.

Best of luck to you! This age can be very trying, but it's better to get the upper hand now or he will be ruling the roost by the time he's 4. ;-)

This soulds alot like mine. I am a working mom as well. I drop her off at 7 and pick her up at 5:30. After all day of playing with all the other kids, by that time she is tired and hungry. She is often irritable by the time we get him. I try to ignore her episodes as best as I can. If she hits, I immediatly put her down and walk away. She gets upset by this but understands why I did it. She is careful after that to not hit because she wants her time with me as much as I want mine with her. I try to never scream at anyone when she is around because I can already tell she is me made over and she will be a hot head. Good Luck! It will get better. You just have to figure out what is going to work for yours!